Project Lead Scientist

Job content

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in managing a team to contribute to shaping the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow’s fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid.

RACE is a leading laboratory, solution provider and operator of robotics and autonomous systems. Our cross-functional competencies enable us to deliver innovative solutions that combine advanced control systems, sophisticated mechanical designs, state-of-the-art sensing, and extraordinary performance. We also develop sophisticated VR, optimisation, and planning tools to enhance these systems. We have a dynamic, and highly motivated team of 80 engineers, scientists and technicians devoted to building systems that perform tasks in some of the most extreme environments in the world.

As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values that capture the spirit of how we work. These values include being: Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative.

Job Description

The role provides a holistic view of fusion research - an excellent introduction to technical management across the application. Wide stakeholder engagement requires a calm temperament, strong communication skills at all staff levels and proficient organisational skills, especially using digital tools.

Who are we looking for?

The UKAEA runs a large EPSRC funded Fusion research programme, covering disciplines from plasma science, advanced computing and robotics, through to materials and tritium science and technology. In this position, a project lead scientist will assist the Programme Manager with administration and extension of the £80m programme to ensure impact is properly recorded and accelerated.

What will you be responsible for?

• Coordinating interfaces between internal project stakeholders, and working as primary administrator for the £80m portfolio of work.
• Managing the Programme milestone process (target capture, reporting, close outs) via a Performance Measures tool.
• Interfacing with DSIT and DESNZ chiefs on the International Science Partnership and Tactical Grant mechanisms to deliver quarterly KPI reports and with a view to increasing potential funding
• Compiling annual impact statements for EPSRC and UKAEA Board reporting

Qualifications

Essential Skills & Experience

• PhD in Fusion Subject or Basic degree in Fusion Subject + equivalent research experience to PhD.
• Experience guiding research projects in academia or industry against set budget and timeline.
• Strong publication / patent and conference presentation record.
• Good social and communication skills, with experience of conducting scientific/research teams.
• Experience in establishing successful research partnerships
• Effective commander and policy maker with good problem-solving and influencing skills.

Desirable Skills, Experience And Competence

• Post graduate and/or work experience in the nuclear sector.
• Ability to communicate and influence other stakeholders effectively, especially post-holder’s equivalents in universities, international laboratories, etc.

Additional Information

What we offer

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergencypaidleave, Generous annual leave allowance(30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme(up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices) and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.

Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions or will confirm that there are no such convictions.

Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.